Trench Art

During leisure hours at the front, skilled soldiers created “trench art” from the remnants of war such as discarded bullets and shell casings. Soldiers, such as Teddy Harris of Eldon House, viewed trench art as mementoes of service, and brought many pieces back to Canada after peace was declared, where they remained in family homes for decades. This exhibition showcases the Art, drawing from the Eldon House collection and that of private collector S. Lavender Hurrell, while exploring the traditions and skills behind its production.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.